SA: Lower lakes situation not as bad as first thought: scientist

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2009
SA: Lower lakes situation not as bad as first thought: scientist

A group of concerned scientists has accused the South Australian government of rushing
into building weirs around the Lower Lakes region without considering the long term impact
on the River Murray system.

MIKE GEDDES .. from the University of Adelaide .. says the disasters predicted to be
caused by acid sulfate soils in the Lower Lakes and surrounding creeks haven't happened
yet.

He says the damage has been overstated by the government to justify the construction of weirs.

Mr GEDDES says the government's dealing with issues .. such as the acid sulfate soils
.. in isolation rather than focusing on the entire system.

He says the effects of acid sulfate soils could be mitigated by seeding .. planting
.. liming .. mulching and isolating hot spots.

AAP RTV lcs/sl/crh

KEYWORD: MURRAY (ADELAIDE)

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